Come On In and Stay A While

Welcome to the blog of Staja Studios. We are STAcey and JAson Thon, the dynamic duo (self proclaimed) behind Staja Studios! This blog serves as our way to keep in touch with everyone we know, like, and love. We thought it would be a fun way for people who know us to keep up with what is going on in our lives and studio, and a wonderful way for those of you who may have just met us to learn more about who we are.
We would like to bring together our professional and personal lives. You can expect to see pictures from our latest weddings, engagement shoots, portraits, etc. As well as some personal, fine art, family pics, and other projects. In addition, we will be sharing our "Cheers and Jeers", and other random ramblings about whatever strikes our fancy. In the future we are also looking for ways to make things more interactive, if you will. This may include voting for a particular marketing piece, contests, and various other activities.
Thank you all for stopping by, and don't forget to - Get Captured!
- Jason & Stacey Thon

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

What's The Best Part Of Your Job?

We couldn't help but post this question after a great e-mail we received today.

When we are taking pictures at a wedding, we are often asked, "What is the the best part of your job?". The other one we often get is, "Do you have fun doing this?".

There are times when things can be difficult, but we couldn't think of a better job.

#1) From a creative standpoint, there aren't many other types of photography where you are allowed so much creative freedom to capture an image. There's not a lot of creativity allowed in shooting a plate of mac-n-cheese, ask Stacey, she's been there.

#2) We get to meet and work with so many wonderful people and build great relationships over time. We may shoot their wedding and then in a couple years take pictures of a new baby (Hi Kerri!).

#3) There is one reason that stands out above all though. Nothing is more rewarding than the feedback you receive from a job well done. We would like to share the following e-mail we just received from Sarah & Todd after they saw their slideshow.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Wow-speechless! You're making me cry! I wanted to Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the help you gave us through the entire wedding process, you are both such wonderful people who are incredibility talented. We are so grateful that we had you there that day!

Sarah & Todd



- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

When you get an e-mail like that, you know you have a truely wonderful job. Sarah and Todd have had to go through some tough stuff during their engagement that we could easily relate to. After getting to know their story, knowing that we were able to help make their day easier is the best feeling.

In conclusion, if you are lucky enough to be doing something you love, persue it with everything you have. I know we are!!!

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Sarah & Todd



Sarah & Todd truely are a great couple to work with. While working with them during the summer, it has become aparent that they both have warm personalities and really love each other. Even with a few hitches in their wedding plans (like the church deciding to remodel), everything went off smoothly. Despite the pesky remodel, the ceremony was held at a gorgeous traditional Catholic Church. Under the threat of potential showers all day, the weather couldn't have been more cooperative. We were treated to some beautiful sunshine for their pictures, and the wedding party couldn't have been easier to work with. In the end, it was a fabulous wedding for a fabulous couple!

Don't forget to check out the slideshow of the day's highlights.

We wish the two of you the best.

- Stacey & Jason

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Sunday!!!

Now that things are slowing down a little, we are hoping to occasionally shed some light on who we are as people both behind the camera and in day to day life. Many of you know us, some are getting to know us, and some of you we probably haven't met. At any rate, we are hoping over time you will all get a better perspective of who we are.

With all of that said, How great are Sundays?

The day started off spectacular until about 3 minnutes left in the Vikings game when Chester Taylor fumbled the ball. Vikings lose to the Bears, but they are playing pretty good. If the offense would just click along a bit better.

We began our day with a nice relaxing cup of joe and the obligatory snack (I love weekends). With a happy belly, I took Lauren down to the park and she played on the swings and slides. It was at this point that we had that pesky little Vikings game I talked about earlier. After the game, Stacey and I needed to get a picture taken of us and sent off for an online bio we have with our lab. It was such a last minute thing, that we asked our neighbor (thanks Glenn) to take a few pics. We couldn't pass up the opportunity to use the fleeting sunlight from such a beautiful day.

Here is the picture that is going to the lab for our Pictage User Group (PUG) bio. Stacey and I are taking over as group leaders.


After a few pictures of the two of us, Lauren wanted to join the action.


Isn't she the cutest? We may be a bit biased, but that's what I think! With the smell of autumn in the air, I decided to go do a bit of grocery shopping for dinner. For those of you who don't know me, when I have the time, I lOVE to cook. We really enjoy having another couple or two over for a weekend dinner. However, we are usually so busy, that it frequently ends up as a party for two :) (as it did tonight). I made up some sirloin steaks with a mushroom wine sauce served over mashed potatoes, julienned carrots, and asparagus. YUMMY!!!!

Just in case your hungry, here is a picture.


Now that our bellies are full, it is time to snuggle in for some Despearte Housewives (isn't Tivo great). I couldn't think of a much better day to close off the weekend. I hope everyone else's Sunday was as good as ours.

Take Care Everyone!

- Jason, Stacey, and Lauren

Monday, September 11, 2006

Mary Beth & Mike



This was a fun wedding to be a part of. Between doing some shots on Mike's corvette and the great dancing, there was no shortage of fun. Mary Beth and Mike are part of a local swing club and WOW were there some good dancers at the reception. The ceremony was a small, intimate affair, followed by a larger and lively party. The Rockin' Hollywoods did a great job providing the entertainment, and the guests didn't let them down. Don't forget to check out the slideshow with some of the day's highlights.

Best Wishes Mary Beth and Mike.